Huntsville, Alabama
(July 31, 2013) –
The Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center
released its Crime in Alabama statistics for 2012, and the City of Huntsville
ranks among the safest cities in the State. Compared to other major metro areas,
Huntsville showed far fewer crimes in all major categories.

“We feel good about our
numbers overall and the great strides we have made,” said Chief Sherry Jackson.
“As Huntsville has grown, we have adapted to cover increased geography and to
forge stronger relationships with our citizens.”

Chief Jackson believes the
Huntsville Police Department’s new burglary and robbery units had a positive
impact on reducing crime in 2012. Increased outreach efforts community resource
officers, Crimestoppers, Neighborhood Watch and Neighborhood Associations have
also helped encourage citizens to report crime and to help solve crime.

The statistics show
homicide was up by 1 incident over 2011. Though the City has seen a recent
uptick in homicides in 2013, HPD attributes the majority of these to
drug-related activity, paralleling a national trend.

“Any homicide is one too
many, and yet we know the majority of these are drug-related and contained
within a fairly close network of individuals,” said Chief Jackson. “We are
tackling this by refocusing our efforts toward street level drug crime.”

Huntsville did see a slight
increase in assault activity in 2012, however, HPD says its assault
classification is much more inclusive than most cities, and includes such
offenses as a slap in the face. The most noticeable jump in crime was in the
rape category with an additional 21 cases reported.

“We have worked closely
with Crisis Services and our community resource officers to encourage women who
have been violated to report this crime,” said Chief Jackson. “Our message to
offenders is a simple one – this community will not tolerate violence against
women.”

Chief Jackson says HPD
continually tracks data throughout the year to adapt and respond to community
needs. She commends Mayor Tommy Battle, their police officers and community
volunteers for supporting the City’s effort to remain safe.

“We have more police
officers on the streets in Huntsville than at any time in our history, and we
are one of the safest cities in state and in the country,” said Chief Jackson.
“On behalf of our entire police department, our officers are honored to serve
and protect our citizens.”